DNA-based hydrogels for bone regeneration: A promising tool for bone organoids

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Regenerative Medicine
• Tissue Engineering

Background:

• DNA-based hydrogels possess unique biocompatibility and programmability.
• They enable spatial bone structure formation via fabrication, microsphere formatting, and 3D printing.
• The bone microenvironment can be modulated through DNA material properties.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the advantages, composition, gelation, and structure optimization of DNA-based hydrogels for bone regeneration.
• To detail key elements promoting bone regeneration: osteogenesis, vascularization, and immunomodulation.
• To highlight the potential of DNA-based hydrogels in constructing bone organoids for disease modeling and therapeutic applications.

Main Methods:

• Review of literature on DNA-based hydrogels for bone regeneration.
• Analysis of hydrogel composition, gelation techniques, and structure optimization.
• Examination of mechanisms for osteogenesis, vascularization, and immunomodulation.

Main Results:

• DNA-based hydrogels promote osteogenesis via phosphate ions, plasmids, and oligodeoxynucleotides (ODNs).
• Vascularization is enhanced by tetrahedral DNA nanostructures (TDNs) and aptamers for gene expression and targeted release.
• Immunomodulation is achieved through loaded factors, TDNs, and ions, stimulating macrophage polarization and providing antibacterial properties.

Conclusions:

• DNA-based hydrogels are versatile materials for bone regeneration, offering tunable properties.
• They facilitate key processes like osteogenesis, vascularization, and immunomodulation.
• These hydrogels represent an innovative tool for bone organoid construction, disease modeling, and regenerative medicine.